Feline Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🐱
Add to dictionary

feline

[ˈfiːlaɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal

A feline is a carnivorous mammal belonging to the family Felidae, such as a cat, tiger, lion, or leopard.

Synonyms

cat, leopard, lion, tiger.

Examples of usage

  • The feline family includes domestic cats and big cats like tigers and lions.
  • She has a pet feline named Whiskers.
Context #2 | Adjective

related to cats

Feline describes something resembling or characteristic of a cat, such as gracefulness or agility.

Synonyms

agile, catlike, graceful.

Examples of usage

  • Her movements were feline, quick and silent.
  • The feline eyes of the actress captivated the audience.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'feline'

The word 'feline' originated in the late Middle English period, from Latin 'felinus', which is derived from 'felis' meaning 'cat'. The term has been used to refer to cats and cat-like qualities for centuries, symbolizing grace, agility, and independence.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,797, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.